Important Questions Class 6 English A Pact With The Sun Chapter 4
FAQs on Important Questions Class 6 English A Pact With The Sun Chapter 4
1. Why were the lights still on in Ray’s old clock shop on Christmas Eve?
The lights were still on in the old clock shop late on Christmas Eve because Ray, the old, deaf owner, was working on a clock. Even though it was late and other shops had closed, he was busy with his work, which set the stage for the unexpected arrival of two visitors.
2. How did Ray know that the visitors were not genuine customers but were in need of money?
Ray understood the visitors' true intentions through his keen observation, despite being deaf. He noticed several important clues: their arrival at a very late hour, the younger man staying at the door as a lookout, and the older man's unfriendly and cold eyes. He sensed their desperation and concluded they were there not to buy anything but to get money, possibly by force.
3. What is the central message or moral that a student should understand from the chapter 'The Old Clock Shop'?
The central message of the story is that peace, kindness, and empathy are more powerful tools than anger or violence. For exams, it's important to highlight that:
- A calm and wise approach can defuse a tense and dangerous situation.
- Communication and understanding can bridge gaps, even without spoken words.
- Generosity and goodwill can transform an enemy into a friend, turning a potential conflict into a moment of shared humanity.
4. What was the symbolic importance of all the clocks chiming together at the end of the story?
The simultaneous chiming of the clocks at midnight was highly symbolic. It represented a universal message of 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards all'. This musical harmony breaking the silence right after a tense situation was resolved peacefully served to underline the story's theme. It was as if time itself was celebrating Ray's act of kindness and the peaceful outcome.
5. How does Ray's deafness play a crucial role in how the story unfolds?
Ray's deafness is a key plot element that shapes the entire interaction. It prevents a heated verbal exchange and any spoken threats. The visitors are forced to communicate by writing on a notepad, which slows down the pace and neutralises their aggression. This disability ironically empowers Ray, allowing his calm, observant, and kind nature to control the situation, rather than being overwhelmed by fear or intimidation.
6. For a 3-mark question, describe the character traits that make Ray from 'The Old Clock Shop' an inspiring figure.
Ray is an inspiring character due to his remarkable qualities. Key traits to mention in an answer would be:
- Perceptive and Wise: He accurately judged the visitors' intentions without hearing a word.
- Calm and Composed: He remained unruffled and did not panic in a potentially dangerous situation.
- Kind and Generous: Instead of being defensive, he showed compassion and offered the men money generously for an ordinary watch.
7. How does the story 'The Old Clock Shop' show that kindness can be a more effective response to hostility than fear?
The story perfectly illustrates this idea. The visitors arrived with unfriendly, hostile intentions. A fearful response might have escalated the situation. However, Ray chose an unexpected response: proactive kindness. By treating the men with respect and offering them a generous sum of money ($50), he addressed their underlying need. This act of compassion disarmed the visitor, replacing his coldness with a moment of genuine, albeit brief, connection. The story proves that goodwill can effectively neutralise a threat where fear would likely fail.






















